Speaker Amason Kingi has officially opened the Senate mid-term assessment and planning retreat for the Fourth Session in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The retreat, themed "Shaping the Senate’s Legacy: Reflections, Strategies and the Path Forward," brings together senators and key stakeholders to evaluate the Senate’s performance over the past three sessions and strategise for the upcoming Fourth Session, which officially begins on February 11, 2025.
In his address to senators, Kingi said the retreat must focus on legislation that directly impacts counties-especially financing and revenue sharing.
He added that senators should look at ways of strengthening the Senate oversight role by ensuring that devolution funds are used efficiently and that corruption and poor governance do not thrive in county corridors.
Kingi further said Senators should discuss ways of enhancing intergovernmental relations “because the strength of our democracy is primarily determined by how effective our institutions work, independently but in harmony.”
The Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye said the purpose of the engagement is primarily to make an assessment and evaluate the performance and achievements of the Senate in the first three sessions since the commencement of the 13th Parliament.
“It is worthwhile to take stock of the activities that have been realised so far, the challenges encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead for improvement in the coming session,” he said.
Nyegenye said the mid-term period of a parliamentary term is often the most critical in shaping its output and legacy.
“With the conclusion of the Third Session, the Fourth Session presents an opportunity for the Senate to build on the momentum of the past year and solidify its legacy through impactful legislative and oversight work,” he said.
He said key areas for deliberation will include a review of the performance and output of the Senate in Plenary and in Committees during the first three Sessions, the proposed Fourth Basis for Revenue Sharing among County Governments for Financial Years 2025/2026 – 2029/2030 and implementation of the health laws among others.
